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      Orange Bubble Bread

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      Orange Bubble Bread will be the latest and greatest addition to your brunch menu. This yeasted pull-apart loaf is infused with a triple dose of zesty orange flavor.

      Here’s something different for your breakfast or brunch lineup. Orange Bubble Bread. It’s a yeasty loaf of pull-apart bread ‘bubbles’ made of orange sugar-coated dough. I first saw this recipe in an old Cooking Light ‘Best Of‘ cookbook. It was formulated for use in a bread machine. Because I don’t have the counterspace or room in my cabinets to store a bread machine, this recipe sat bookmarked for about 8 years. As I’ve searched for new spring recipes with bright flavors, this bread came to mind. I decided it was time to re-work the recipe sans bread machine.
      Honestly, I don’t know why I waited so long! It wasn’t that hard to figure out following the basics of blooming yeast and mixing dough. Because of its interactive pull-apart nature, it’s perfect for informal get-togethers where sticky fingers and hands-on enjoyment are all part of the fun. (Such as a lazy Sunday brunch with friends and family.) And it’s so deliciously soft and yeasty! In the words of my BFF “It tastes like an orange sugar doughnut!”.

      What is Bubble Bread?
      Bubble bread, much like its cousin monkey bread, is a sweet yeasted loaf that’s baked to golden brown perfection in a tube or bundt pan. It’s composed of small pieces of dough rolled into balls. Which creates a bubbled look when baked. Each dough ball is rolled in melted butter and coated in a flavorful orange sugar mixture. The baked loaf is covered with a simple orange confectioners’ glaze while still warm. Speaking of, it’s best served warm, because that’s when it’s at peak flavor and soft texture.

      Make the Yeast Dough
      Bloom the yeast in a mixture of warm milk, water, melted butter, and a touch of sugar. This creates the perfect environment for the yeast to activate and work its magic. Once frothy, add in additional sugar, eggs, flour, and a generous amount of orange zest for that citrusy punch. I used my stand mixer and dough hook, but if you prefer the therapeutic act of kneading by hand, then that works too. Knead until the dough is soft yet elastic.

      Shape the Dough
      Divide the dough into 24 equally sized pieces. Then, roll each piece into a ball (see video for technique). I will admit, not all of my dough balls were exactly even. But everything turned out alright in the end. (No perfectionism necessary!) Cover the dough balls in plastic wrap so they don’t dry out.

      Make the Orange Sugar Coating
      The signature flavor of Orange Bubble Bread comes from its irresistible orange sugar coating. Mix together freshly grated orange zest with sugar until thoroughly combined. Large navel oranges are ideal for this recipe, because they provide ample skins for zesting. But you can use whatever orange variety you have on hand. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingertips to really disperse the orange oil into the sugar. It smells so good! Just like aromatherapy in the kitchen.

      Coat the Dough Balls in Orange Sugar
      One by one, dip each dough ball in melted butter. Then dip it into the orange sugar mixture. This double-dipping ensures that the sugar sticks to the dough. The result is a caramelized, golden exterior once baked. Arrange the coated dough balls snugly in the tube pan or bundt pan. I used an 8-inch angel food cake pan but you can also use a bundt pan. If using a bundt pan, then choose one without a lot of detail. A plain fluted one will work just fine.

      Rise and Bake
      Cover the pan with plastic wrap. Allow the assembled dough balls to rise until doubled in size. Then, bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 190°F for the internal temperature.

      Make the Orange Glaze
      In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and more orange zest. Whisk together until well combined. Drizzle the warm loaf with the glaze, allowing it to seep into every crevice. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire bread loaf with the orange glaze.

      Serving Suggestions
      Once glazed you can pick off individual dough pieces for bite-sized treats. Or you can cut the bread into slices. Here are some ways I like to enjoy this bread:

      Breakfast: Serve warmed pieces of Orange Bubble Bread alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Pair it with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a bountiful and satisfying breakfast. My husband loves a slice covered with salted butter and drizzled with honey for both breakfast and dessert.
      Brunch: Serve the loaf as the table centerpiece alongside savory fare. It’s something sweet to offer instead of waffles or cinnamon rolls. You can also arrange slices on a platter alongside assorted jams and jellies (and of course, marmalade!) Complement the citrusy flavors with a pitcher of mimosas or a refreshing citrus salad.
      Dessert: For a decadent dessert, serve slices of Orange Bubble Bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, citrus-infused bread with cold ice cream is SO GOOD!

      We’ve really enjoyed eating this bread for practically every meal! Breakfast and dessert especially, but also whenever we’ve craved a sweet bite. I’m almost certain it will be making an appearance later this year, when winter citrus is at its most sparkling. But for now, it’s a real contender for Mother’s Day brunch!

      Related recipe: Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread

      Orange Bubble Bread

      Heather Baird

      This Orange Bubble Bread is bursting with citrus flavor, and it’s bound to become your new favorite brunch addition. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a zesty orange glaze, this sweet yeasted bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It can be eaten as pull-apart bread or you can slice it into pieces. This recipe requires lots of orange zest! Purchase 3 large navel oranges to cover all of your zest and juice requirements for this bread. If available, choose unwaxed organic oranges. Use a microplane grater or the smallest holes on a box grater to get the finest shreds of orange zest for this recipe.

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      Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes mins90 minutes rise time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

      Course Bread, Breakfast, BrunchCuisine American

      Servings 12

      Equipment8 or 9 inch nonstick tube pan or bundt pan
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Bloomed yeast mixture1 cup whole milk1/4 cup water4 tablespoons unsalted butter1 tablespoon granulated sugar2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeastYeast dough1 large egg1/2 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt1 tablespoons grated orange zest4 cups all-purpose flourOrange sugar coating1/2 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon grated orange zest1/4 cup unsalted butter meltedOrange glaze1 cup powdered sugar3 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed2 teaspoons grated orange zest
      Instructions Bloomed yeast mixturePlace the milk, water, and butter in a small saucepan and heat until melted. Let cool to 110°-115°F. Pour the mixture into the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the granulated sugar and stir with a spoon to combine. Stir in the yeast. Let stand until bloomed and foamy, 5-7 minutes.Yeast doughTo the bloomed yeast mixture, add the egg, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined. Mix in the orange zest. Add half of the flour and stir with the paddle attachment to form shaggy dough. Add about 1/2 cup flour more to the bowl and switch to the dough hook. Knead until the dough is consistent and elastic. If dough is lax and very sticky, add more flour a little at a time. You may not need to use all of the flour. Knead for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and elastic, and just a little sticky. Place the dough into a greased bowl and turn over to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.Deflate dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 even pieces. (To do this, I shape the dough into a round disk, and then cut into four pieces. Cut each quarter in half, and then each half into 3 pieces for 24 portions. See video for technique.) Roll each dough piece under a cupped hand into balls; cover dough with plastic wrap so the balls don’t dry out.Orange sugar coatingIn a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Mix well using your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar. The sugar should turn orange from the orange oil in the zest.Grease an 8 or 9-inch nonstick tube pan or bundt pan with cooking spray.Place the bowl of melted butter in close proximity to the bowl of orange sugar. Dip each dough ball first into the melted butter, then into the orange sugar. Roll until the ball is coated and transfer to a greased tube pan. Repeat the process, arranging the balls in an even layer in the bottom of the pan, and then arranging a ring of dough balls on top of the first layer. Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts, about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.Preheat the oven to 350°F.Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown. You can check done-ness with an instant read thermometer, which registers an internal temperature of 190°F when cooked through. Keep in mind that baking times will vary according to the size pan you use. Using an 8-inch pan will take closer to 50 minutes, whereas a 9-inch bundt pan will bake slightly quicker.Cool in the pan 5 minutes. Turn the bread out of the pan and then stand it back upright. Cool 15 minutes.Orange glazeCombine the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the glaze over the warm bread. Brush excess glaze over the outside of the bread using a pastry brush. Serve the bread warm. See notes for re-heating instructions.
      NotesWhat to expect: This bread has an orange zest-speckled interior that is soft and lightly sweet. The exterior has a caramelized orange sugar coating. The entire loaf is glazed with a zesty orange glaze made with orange juice and orange zest. It’s a bright-tasting loaf that makes a wonderful breakfast or brunch. Serve it warm for best flavor and texture.
      Baking Pan: If you use an angel food cake pan with a removable bottom as I did, place the pan on a parchment-covered baking sheet and bake the bread on the baking sheet. This will catch any oil or sugar that may seep out (this was minimal). A better choice is a standard-size 9-inch nonstick bundt pan. The bread can also be baked in one even layer in a 10-inch round cake pan, however the baking time will be much reduced (30-35 minutes).
      Reheating Instructions
      Microwave Method: Place individual slices of Orange Bubble Bread on a microwave-safe plate and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough or dry.
      Oven Method: For larger portions or the entire loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and place it on a baking sheet. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method ensures even heating and helps to retain moisture.

      Keyword active dry yeast, all purpose flour, brunch recipe, bubble bread, confectioners’ sugar, dessert bread, monkey bread variation, mother’s day brunch, orange bubble bread, pull-apart bread, whole milk, yeasted bread recipe

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      Our 12 Best Bakes for Easter Weekend

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      Easter weekend is almost upon us and we’re egg-cited to share 12 marvelous bakes perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re gearing up to host a lavish Easter feast, searching for a standout recipe to impress your family, or simply eager to try something new, we’ve got you covered. These bakes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any celebration, be it brunch, lunch, dinner, or even a simple snack time. With flavors that sing of spring and festive touches like colorful mini eggs, get ready to discover a new recipe that will become a cherished tradition in your holiday lineup for years to come.

      There’s no reinventing the lemon meringue pie, so why not reimagine it—as Lemon Meringue Nests? Taking flavor cues from its classic inspiration, this recipe puts delicate, crunchy meringue in the spotlight with a sweet-tart lemon curd centerpiece.

      Yes, from its banana-and-Vanilla Wafer base to its toasted Swiss Meringue topping, this decadent Chocolate-Hazelnut-Banana Pudding is made completely from scratch—but with a chocolate-hazelnut twist.

      If you love lemon bars, you will LOVE this Meyer Lemon-Olive Oil Coffee Cake. Meyer lemons are less acidic and slightly sweeter than the standard lemons found in the grocery store, and provide a perfect balance against the tart lemon curd swirled into this silky batter.

      With spring officially sprung, there’s no better recipe to celebrate with than this light yet luscious Hummingbird Pie with Pecan Crust. This pie’s crust may look like any other, but it packs a surprising punch of Schermer Pecans, lending a light, toasted crunch to the deliciously flaky and buttery base of this pie. The nutty, slightly rich notes of pecan act as the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, fruity flavors of the filling. Slices of fresh banana are layered on top of the crisp pecan crust and then blanketed in a smooth pineapple coconut cream. Topped with a cloud of light and fluffy Whipped Cream, this pie is a cool treat sure to satisfy all through spring and even into the dog days of summer.

      Simple, elegant, and a touch whimsical, this Almond Bundt Cake with Coconut Glaze was made with Easter in mind. Nordic Ware’s 6 Cup Heritage Bundt Pan lends a mesmerizing swirl to this sour cream pound cake, forming the perfect canvas for our rich Coconut Glaze. Plus, the pan’s 6-cup capacity also offers a perfect portion of cake for a cozy family dinner. Finish the cake off with toasted coconut and candied chocolate eggs to make a centerpiece-worthy Easter egg nest.

      With just a touch of aromatic orange zest mixed in with the creamy condensed milk and flaked coconut base, these classic macaroons pair notes of chocolate and citrus within their sweet snowball packages.

      This sheet cake is our answer to those Italian Cream Cake cravings when time is short. Each bite crunches with buttery pecans and sweet coconut flakes, complemented by a swooping layer of whipped cream on top. 

      Triple your berry intake in the morning with these richly frosted buns. Slathered with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and packed with poppy seeds and Strawberry Cream Cheese, these Strawberry Poppy Seed Buns are the splurge that you—and your strawberries—deserve.

      Who needs cream cheese frosting when you’ve got a layer of cheesecake filling? These bars combine two of our favorite cakes in one: crumbly chunks of carrot cake baked into a velvety layer of cheesecake. Fair warning: you may not be able to have one without the other again.

      A nostalgic ode to Easter candy, this Cadbury egg-studded cookie is all about the texture. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and with a boost of crunch from the candy-coated chocolate eggs, it’s a new and improved way to indulge in the iconic Easter treat.

      A true Easter delight, these Resurrection Rolls are meant to represent the empty tomb of Christ after being resurrected. The magic of these rolls lies in the marshmallow. Surrounded by a soft, sweet dough, as these rolls bake, the cinnamon sugar-coated marshmallow placed inside melts away, leaving a pocket of air in its place. They’re sweet, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and incredibly fun to bake for adults and kids alike.

      This recipe for Chocolate Cherry Hot Cross Buns supports the claim that chocolate does, in fact, make everything better. Add in tangy dried cherries, apple juice, and a finishing touch of our just-tart-enough apricot glaze, and this chocolate twist on the hot cross bun gives a whole new meaning to the word “irresistible.” LEGGI TUTTO

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      Our Best Breads for Your Easter Celebrations

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      Looking for the perfect roll or biscuit to complement your Easter meal this year? We’ve rounded up a list of our best breads to fill your table’s bread basket. From our classic Parker House rolls to crave-worthy cheddar-and-garlic drop angel biscuits, these bread recipes are the finishing touch you need for your Easter menu. 

      Legend has it that Parker House rolls were created by accident as a disgruntled baker slammed a tray of rolls in the oven. The jolted rolls emerged with their signature folded appearance, and the guests raved about them. It’s that pocket-like fold that creates a crispy golden exterior with a steaming hot and tender interior.

      A cross between a buttermilk biscuit and a Parker House roll, these Angel Biscuits will impress any and all at the dinner table. With its pillowy softness and golden buttery top, take one bite and you’ll never question its name again.

      Literally translated as “Easter Bread,” the Pane di Pasqua with its colorful eggs is Italy’s signature version of the holiday staple. Sometimes designed to resemble a doll or newborn, the intricately braided loaf symbolizes the rebirth of the spring season and Christ’s resurrection. This soft, slightly sweet bread with its iconic brightly colored eggs (we used blue) can be found well beyond the borders of Italy as a symbol of the season. 

      This recipe is a breezy wonder, with craggy peaked tops that offer a bit of crunch with the signature soft interior. The final brush with butter? Consider that its brush with greatness.

      In our sweet rendition of Parker House rolls, rectangular pieces of the enriched dough are brushed with orange-honey butter and rolled into spirals. This creates sweetly laminated layers and mesmerizing swirls. Once the hot rolls leave the oven, a final brush of honey-orange butter gives the bread a sweet, glossy sheen.

      Similar to those of a seafood chain favorite, these Cheddar-and-Garlic Drop Angel Biscuits are every bit as light and fluffy as they are flavorful. Seasoned with garlic powder and ground black pepper, mixed with a healthy helping of Cheddar cheese, and brushed with warm garlic butter, they’re sure to become a new wintertime favorite.

      If you’re on the hunt for pillowy-soft, tenderly sweet rolls, look no further than these Honey Butter Yeast Rolls. These rolls are simple and light yet incredibly flavorful, with the perfect amount of buttery richness and honeyed sweetness, just like the O’Charley’s rolls they were inspired by. Baked to a gorgeous golden brown, the rolls are then coated with a final brush of melted butter for a glistening finish. LEGGI TUTTO

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      10 Sweet Treats to Bake for Spring

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      March 19th marks the official first day of spring in the U.S., and we’re welcoming in the new season with 10 spring-inspired bakes that will brighten any day. From the zing of lemon to the burst of fresh berries, each recipe is crafted to infuse your kitchen with the vibrant essence of spring. So, grab your apron and embark on a flavorful journey that promises to bring the joys of the new season, no matter what the weather outside may hold.

      Sticky-sweet strawberry filling is smeared, rolled, and twisted into a buttery brioche dough, and a final sprinkling of pearl sugar offers an element of elegant crunch to this loaf.

      With spring officially sprung, there’s no better recipe to celebrate with than this light yet luscious Hummingbird Pie with Pecan Crust. This pie’s crust may look like any other, but it packs a surprising punch of Schermer Pecans, lending a light, toasted crunch to the deliciously flaky and buttery base of this pie. The nutty, slightly rich notes of pecan act as the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, fruity flavors of the filling. Slices of fresh banana are layered on top of the crisp pecan crust and then blanketed in a smooth pineapple coconut cream. Topped with a cloud of light and fluffy Whipped Cream, this pie is a cool treat sure to satisfy all through spring and even into the dog days of summer.

      Who needs cream cheese frosting when you’ve got a layer of cheesecake filling? These bars combine two of our favorite cakes in one: crumbly chunks of carrot cake baked into a velvety layer of cheesecake. Fair warning: you may not be able to have one without the other again.

      By swapping the traditional cream cheese filling with vanilla bean-scented Mascarpone Cream and replacing the congealed topping with fresh strawberries, we’ve given this classic pastry a modern salty-sweet makeover.

      These party-perfect bars are creamy, crumbly, and crispy all at once. For the best results, we suggest refrigerating overnight. But if you’re in a hurry, you can cut that time down to at least 1 hour before serving.

      A tender almond cake speckled with earthy poppy seeds and a strawberry-dappled top dusted with confectioners’ sugar, this simple yet chic one-layer stunner embodies the flavors of spring. We call it “a counter cake” because you’ll want to keep it on your counter all season long as a sweet treat for impromptu guests (and yourself).

      Inspired by the busy bees of spring, we paired chopped honeycomb and orange blossom water to create a delicate floral and honey scone. Crowned with golden honeycomb chunks and a generous drizzle of white chocolate, these baked goods offer a surprising flavor combination you didn’t know you needed until now.

      Cheesecake is a dessert for all seasons, but this one is geared directly toward spring. We traded the traditional graham cracker crust for a spicy gingersnap crumb base that complements a sunny citrus cheesecake filling. But the coup de grâce is the bright and beautiful blueberry topping, a glistening crown that offers jammy berries in every bite.

      Combining a double-dose of zippy lemon flavor in both the cookie and the glaze tastes like spring baking at it’s finest. Add the crunchy finish of sweet sparkling sugar and you’ve got one knockout cookie. LEGGI TUTTO

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      Honey-Orange Parker House Rolls

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      In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1⅓ cups (167 grams) flour, sugar, 1 tablespoon (9 grams) salt, and yeast at medium-low speed until well combined.In a medium saucepan, heat milk, ⅔ cup (160 grams) water, and ¼ cup (56.5 grams) butter over medium heat until butter is melted and an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C). Add warm milk mixture to flour mixture; beat at medium-low speed for 2 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add 1 egg (50 grams); beat at medium-high speed for 2 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. With mixer on low speed, gradually add 2⅔ cups (333 grams) flour, beating just until combined and stopping to scrape sides of bowl.Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at medium-low speed until a soft, somewhat sticky dough forms, 6 to 8 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl and dough hook; add up to remaining ¼ cup (31 grams) flour, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) at a time, if dough is too sticky. (Dough should pass the windowpane test [see Note on page 85] but may still stick slightly to sides of bowl.) Turn out dough onto a very lightly floured surface, and gently shape into a ball.Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 35 to 50 minutes.Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 (17½×12½-inch) rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.In a medium saucepan, heat honey, orange zest, remaining ¼ cup (56.5 grams) butter, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted and mixture is well combined. Remove from heat; stir in almond extract. Set aside.Punch down dough; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Divide dough in half, covering 1 portion with plastic wrap. On a lightly floured surface, roll uncovered half into a 10×9-inch rectangle. Turn dough so smoothest side is facing downward, and reroll into a 10×9-inch rectangle, if necessary. Using a pastry wheel or pizza cutter, cut dough into 10 (4½×2-inch) rectangles, trimming edges slightly, if necessary. Brush each rectangle with honey mixture, leaving a ¾-inch border on one short side. Starting with short side opposite border, roll up strips, jelly roll style, and pinch seam to seal. Place, seam side down, at least 1½ inches apart on a prepared pan. Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Reserve remaining honey mixture. Cover dough, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until nearly doubled in size and dough holds an indentation when poked, about 25 minutes.In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1 egg (50 grams). Brush top of dough with egg wash.Bake, one batch at a time, until light golden brown, 13 to 16 minutes, loosely covering with foil to prevent excess browning, if necessary. Brush and serve with any remaining honey mixture. LEGGI TUTTO

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      Sesame-and-Green Onion Knots

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      In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 2 cups (254 grams) flour, sugar, 1 tablespoon (9 grams) salt, and yeast by hand.In a medium saucepan, heat milk, 1⁄2 cup (120 grams) water, and butter over medium heat until an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C). Add hot milk mixture to flour mixture; using the paddle attachment, beat at medium speed until combined. Add 1 egg (50 grams), beating until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups (254 grams) flour, beating just until a shaggy dough comes together and stopping to scrape sides of bowl.Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until a soft, smooth, somewhat sticky dough forms, 20 to 23 minutes; add up to remaining 1⁄4 cup (32 grams) flour, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) at a time, if dough is too sticky. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a smooth round.Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 40 minutes to 1 hour.Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with baking spray with flour.Punch down dough, and let stand for 5 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into an 18×12-inch rectangle, one long side facing you.In a small bowl, stir together green onion, sesame oil, garlic, and remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon salt.Using a pastry brush, brush melted butter onto dough. Sprinkle green onion mixture evenly onto bottom half of dough, leaving a 1⁄2-inch border along bottom long side. Fold top half down, lightly pressing to adhere. Trim 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inch off short sides of dough; cut crosswise into 12 strips (about 1½ inches wide each).Leaving 1⁄2 inch intact at folded end, cut 1 dough strip into 3 strands. Loosely braid strands, pinching end to adhere. Carefully tuck loose end of braid under to create a knot. Place in a prepared muffin cup. Repeat with remaining dough strips. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, 30 to 45 minutes.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).In another small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 egg (50 grams) and remaining 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water. Using a pastry brush, gently brush egg wash onto rolls; sprinkle with sesame seeds.Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers at least 190°F (88°C), about 20 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. LEGGI TUTTO

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      Our Best Irish Bakes for St. Patrick’s Day

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      St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, and we’re ready to dive into the world of Irish baking. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly baked soda bread, the rich taste of gur cake, or adding Guinness to a batch of brownies, these Irish bakes will add a pinch of magic to any celebration.

      A true Irish delight, Gur Cake goes by a number of quirky names, from chester cake to donkey’s gudge. At its origin, the name “gur” is believed to hail from the term “gurrier,” a nickname for children skipping school who would purchase this affordable treat at bakeries. With a sticky and sweet fruit filling made up of chewy Valley Fig Growers’ California Figs and leftover sponge cake soaked in strongly brewed Irish breakfast tea, this cake is as economical as it is delicious. Rich, caramel notes from the figs marry effortlessly with the combination of warm spices found in the cake, and two layers of flaky Shortcrust Pastry add just the right amount of buttery bite. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a St. Patty’s Day celebration, the Gur Cake is a fig-filled wonder you won’t want to miss.

      Northern Ireland has its own signature take on soda bread in the form of farl wedges, derived from the Gaelic word fardel, roughly translated to “four part.” Though they’re traditionally baked on an open-hearth flame, we baked our farls on the more modern griddle. In keeping with the methods of the Old World, though, we harned the dough—turning and cooking the sides of the farl to make sharp, crisp edges.

      Like your coffee cake with a little kick? Irish cream liqueur gives this Berries & Irish Cream Coffee Cake, brimming with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, an extra-fluffy crumb and rich flavor.

      Raise a pint to your new favorite brownies – our Guinness Brownies! A double hit of extra stout beer in the batter and the frosting brings a tangy, hop-filled punch you never knew you needed.

      Behold: a nightcap coffee cake. Buzzing with espresso, topped with a sprinkling of espresso sugar, and packed with two layers of crumbly whiskey spiked streusel, this Irish Coffee Coffee Cake is a tender delicacy you’ll enjoy to the last crumb.

      The grand symbol of Ireland’s baking, Irish soda bread is defined not by the baking soda but by the soft white wheat that grows in Ireland. Low in gluten and protein, the soft Irish wheat receives a boost from baking soda, invented in the 1800s and an immediate game changer for Irish baking. Slashed with a cross and pricked to release heat—or fairies?—our traditional soda bread is enhanced with strong Irish Cheddar, fresh dill, and ground black pepper.

      County Cork’s misty seaside cliffs and rolling green pastures are home to the cows that make some of Ireland’s best Irish cream. After meeting the founder and experiencing the artisan nature of Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, we knew it was destined to be featured in this marble cake frosted with a buttercream that showcases the liqueur’s delicate flavor and incomparable quality.

      Like all other Irish soda breads, Irish brown soda bread needs the leavening power of baking soda to help make it rise to the occasion. Yet this take receives an earthy boost from whole wheat flour and a touch of sweetness from molasses while steel-cut oats, a staple of Irish agriculture, bring a bit of textured crunch to the top.

      Irish stout and chocolate are a winning combination that meets right at the corner of bitter and sweet in this Chocolate-Stout Coffee Loaf Cake. The stout is a boon to the cocoa flavor and the secret to this loaf-style coffee cake’s supremely tender texture. The alcohol inhibits gluten formation, yielding a particularly delicate crumb. LEGGI TUTTO

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      Easy Irish Soda Bread

      ha scritto per te

      This recipe for Easy Irish Soda Bread makes a hearty round loaf with a crunchy crust and soft interior. Using just five ingredients, it offers a taste of Ireland’s culinary heritage in every slice.

      Over the course of a few years, I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect Irish Soda Bread recipe. Both for my blog and personal enjoyment. At first, I tried recipes that were enriched with butter and eggs. But despite my efforts (and careful handling) the bread often turned out too dense or rubbery inside. It wasn’t until I pared down the ingredients that I saw real improvement. With just a handful of pantry staples, the bread turned out tender and moist. The best recipe had been there all along. Because the truly authentic and traditional Irish Soda Bread recipes  – the ones that sustained and preserved an entire nation – use only a few basic ingredients.
      The bread is a cherished staple of Irish cuisine. Born out of necessity during lean times, it’s practically a metaphor for the Irish people’s resourcefulness and resilience. This Easy Irish Soda Bread stems from the most traditional recipe, requiring just five basic ingredients. Or six, if you include raisins or currants.

      Irish Soda Bread History
      Historically, Ireland faced periods of hardship, particularly during the 19th century, marked by poverty, famine, and economic instability. Yeast was scarce and if available, expensive. Before I started researching in earnest, I wondered why the Irish people didn’t use brewer’s yeast like medieval Europe did. Because beer making was booming during that time! (Guinness was a massive brewery around the time of the Great Potato Famine, exporting beer throughout the world.) But commercialized production of brewer’s yeast made it an unsuitable leaven, and it wasn’t accessible to the average household. Instead, baking soda was favored because it was easier to find and inexpensive. This made it a practical choice for everyday baking. During these times, traditional Irish Soda Bread became a staple food for many families due to its simplicity, affordability, and ability to nourish.

      The Simplest Ingredients
      With just five basic ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. But the first order of business is to preheat your oven to 450°F. The bread comes together quickly and the oven needs to be ready to receive the freshly formed loaf.
      Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Now, be aware that sugar is a modern addition to this bread but we’re only using a little bit. This aids in developing a well-browned crusty crust during baking. And since we’re using a modern oven and not baking it in hot coals, I think it’s an acceptable concession. It also adds flavor and helps activate the baking soda. Along with the acid in the buttermilk, this gives the loaf proper rise.

      Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the buttermilk into the center. Stir briefly until the ingredients are just moistened. Watch the video at the end of this blog post that shows my stirring method. I mostly prod the mixture and turn it over until everything is moistened, which is less than 30 seconds, as to not overdevelop the gluten.

      Add Raisins or Currants
      At this stage, add the raisins or currants, if using. This is also a more modern addition that Irish families often add to their bread. Other mix-ins could include caraway seeds and herbs. Stir together until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Stir in the additions. Which takes about 10 more seconds.

      Shape the Dough
      Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and very gently – and very briefly – knead it together a few times until all the dough sticks together (about 3-4 turns). Pat it into a ball. Score a cross about 1″ deep in the center of the bread using a serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife.

      Here’s a plain loaf without the raisins. Which is slightly easier to score and makes a cleaner cut because there’s no raisins to drag the knife through.

      Bake at a High Temperature
      When first testing Irish Soda Bread recipes, the baking temperatures varied wildly from recipe to recipe. I’ve found that a higher temperature gets the job done effectively. It helps the bread to rise quickly, pushing apart the score marks in order to bake evenly throughout the entire loaf.
      Once the bread is formed and scored, transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately get it into the oven. Why the hurry? When the buttermilk is added to the dry ingredients, the lactic acid activates the baking soda. The reaction releases carbon dioxide gas which is the sole leaven in this bread – so, time’s a ticking!
      Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the exterior is brown, craggy and split at the score, and the bread is well-risen. Tap your knuckles on the bottom of the loaf and if it sounds hollow, it’s done. Then transfer it to a cooling rack.

      Serving Suggestions for Irish Soda Bread
      This bread pairs with all kinds of dishes, sweet and savory. And it really requires no special green-wearing holiday to enjoy it. Here are a few ways I like to eat it.

      Soup or Stew: Serve on the side of a bowl of soup or stew. The bread’s dense crumb is ideal for soaking up broth or sauces.
      Cheese Board: Build a board of Irish cheeses such as Dubliner sharp cheddar, Emerald Irish brie, and Somerdale Claddagh blue cheese. Serve toasted slices of Irish soda bread as an accompaniment instead of crackers.
      Irish Pub Fare: Pair the soda bread with classic pub fare such as shepherd’s pie or bangers and mash. The hearty nature of the bread definitely belongs in the same ‘comfort food’ family as these dishes.
      Corned Beef and Cabbage: This bread is perfect alongside a traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast of corned beef and cabbage. Its subtle sweetness compliments the savory meat and cabbage dish.
      Irish Tea Time: Enjoy Irish Soda Bread smeared with creamy Irish butter and your favorite jam or marmalade. Lemon curd and traditional clotted cream also go well with the bread’s dense crumb and tangy buttermilk flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite brewed tea.

      It seems a little crazy that something so simple can be so delicious. I firmly believe that the best version of Irish Soda Bread is the easiest. The absence of extraneous ingredients in the dough such as eggs and butter actually makes this bread more tender!

      Related recipe: 3 Ingredient Butter Me Not Muffins

      Easy Irish Soda Bread

      Heather Baird

      This Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe is straightforward in preparation with very simple ingredients. It makes a rustic, hearty round with a crunchy crust and soft interior. This versatile bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Serve it with corned beef and cabbage, or simply topped with Irish butter.Raisins or currants are a more modern addition to this bread, but they are delicious. Although completely optional.

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      Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins

      Course Bread, BreakfastCuisine Irish

      Servings 10 slices

      Equipmentlarge baking sheetparchment paperserrated knife
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon granulated sugar2 cups buttermilk1 cup raisins or currants optional
      Instructions Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.Sift together the flour, soda, salt, and sugar over a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients; pour in the buttermilk. Mix together using a rubber spatula for about 30 seconds, until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Don’t overwork the dough – overmixing can make the interior rubbery. Add the raisins and mix in quickly, about 10 seconds more.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead briefly until the dough sticks together, about 3-4 turns. Form the dough into a ball. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.Score a cross in the top of the loaf using a large serrated knife, or a sharp chef’s knife, to about 1” depth. Immediately transfer the loaf to the preheated oven.Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaf is split at the cross, and the crust is craggy and well browned. The loaf should be well risen and have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom with your knuckles.Let bread cool slightly before slicing; serve warm. Use a serrated knife and sawing motions to slice the bread without flattening the crumb. Or, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Store airtight.
      NotesAvoid working the dough too much: It’s so easy to overdevelop the gluten in this dough by over-kneading or handling it too much. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together quickly until just moistened. This usually takes less than a minute.
      Don’t skip the cross: Scoring the bread is essential to this particular recipe, so that the bread splits when it rises and which helps the middle bake through. However, there’s more to it in Irish culture. Most Irish people believe you must bless the bread by putting a cross on it, to ward away evil. Can’t hurt, I say.
      Buttermilk substitute: For this recipe, place two tablespoons of white or cider vinegar in a large 4-cup capacity measure. Fill the cup to the 2 cup mark with whole milk and stir together. Use as a replacement for buttermilk in this recipe. While this isn’t going to produce the same tangy flavor and fluffy texture in this bread, in the name of resourcefulness – it will work.
      The Crust: This bread develops a very crusty, shatter-y, well browned crust. For me, that’s the whole point of this bread, to contrast the soft interior. However, if you’re someone who likes a softer crust, you can place the warm loaf in a bowl and cover with a tea towel. When the loaf is completely cool, the crust will be softened and somewhat easier to slice.

      Keyword all purpose flour, baking soda, buttermilk, easy recipe, fine grain salt, historical recipe, Irish cuisine, Irish Soda Bread, no butter, no eggs

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